The famous ancient Greek healer Hippocrates said: "We are what we eat! " He is right in many ways, by which he means the culture of food consumption, its benefit or harm to the human body. Thus, some products are vital for the normal full functioning of all organs and systems, while others, on the contrary, reduce the quality of life and cause serious diseases, for example, pancreatitis. In this case, a properly balanced diet is a treatment that prevents possible relapses.
Pancreatitis is an inflammatory process that occurs in the pancreas. This organ plays an important role in the work of the digestive system. Its main functions are the production of insulin, as well as digestive enzymes necessary for the breakdown and digestion of nutrients:
trypsins for protein digestion;
lipases for fat processing;
lactase, maltase, amylase, invertase, which ensure the conversion of complex carbohydrates into monosaccharides.
Normally, pancreatic juice, saturated with enzymes, enters the duodenum through the ducts, where the main stage of food digestion takes place. Pathology occurs when the secretion of the enzymatic fluid is too active, its amount is physiologically too high to leave the gland "quickly". Stagnation occurs where digestive enzymes interact with pancreatic cells, causing their death and stimulating inflammation.
In most cases, pancreatitis is the result of excessive and regular consumption of alcoholic beverages, fatty and heavy foods. Such a diet causes the pancreas to constantly work in an enhanced mode, producing an excessive amount of enzymes, which has a toxic effect not only on the body itself, but also on other life support systems that enter the systemic circulation.
The same reactions are possible when taking certain drugs.
Another common cause of the disease is partial or complete obstruction of the pancreatic duct. This may be due to the formation of stones (in the case of cholelithiasis), the formation of cysts, tumors, injuries, and rarely - structural anomalies. Less diagnosed are cases of disease development as a result of parasitism by pathogenic microorganisms and other gastrointestinal pathologies (cholecystitis, cholangitis, etc. ).
General rules
There are two main forms of pathology: acute and chronic. In the first case, the symptoms are most pronounced: there is severe pain on the left side, radiation to the forearm, frequent vomiting and hyperemia. An attack usually occurs after eating fried or spicy foods or alcoholic beverages. In this case, urgent hospitalization and urgent treatment are necessary to stabilize the situation as soon as possible and prevent dangerous complications such as pancreatic necrosis and multiple organ failure.
In the first 2-3 days after the attack, it is forbidden to eat any food to stop the production of enzymatic secretions. During this period, the body is fed through drops.
You are allowed to drink as much as you like, but in small portions. Consumption of mineral or boiled water, weakly brewed tea, rose decoction is allowed. After the pain subsides, the patient gradually switches to a normal diet. It is important not to overload the gland and give it time to recover, so the diet should be as gentle as possible. You should eat up to 6 times a day in portions of no more than 150 g.
All food in liquid or semi-liquid form (broths, purees, porridges) is boiled or steamed and cooled to a warm temperature before serving. Gradually, the diet is expanded, more high-calorie and non-chopped foods are added. Supplemental nutrition for pancreatitis still remains fractional and economical.
With a chronic disease, the clinical picture is not so bright. The pathology, in this case, has already affected most of the glandular tissues, causing serious disturbances in the work of the body, primarily in the full production of enzymes. Continuous digestive disorders are observed: diarrhea, bloating, changes in the nature of feces, but pain does not occur. However, during an exacerbation, the symptoms become stronger and are accompanied by severe pain.
Dietary adjustments are based on the same principles as for acute pancreatitis. After three days of fasting, the patient switches to fractional low-calorie meals (proteins - 60 g, fats - 50 g per day). This mode is shown for 5 to 7 days. In addition, the nature of the food varies depending on the condition of the patient. Proteins are preferred, fat content remains low. Liquid foods are supplemented with viscous, finely chopped; Cooking by baking or baking is allowed.
Daily salt intake should not exceed 6 g (for any form of pathology).
Why follow a diet for pancreatitis?
An acute attack of the disease seriously damages the health of the gland. Only in isolated cases, the organ is completely restored without any consequences. As a rule, such disorders do not pass without a trace, especially if a person abuses strong drinks again or eats properly. The transition to the chronic form is a dangerous condition, it will no longer be possible to fully recover. In this case, the affected gland cannot produce the necessary amount of enzyme, regular (often lifelong) use of drug analogues is required.
Diet food for pancreatitis is mandatory. The main goal is to relax the diseased body, reduce hypersecretion and prevent re-exacerbation. Foods that are difficult to digest and require increased production of pancreatic juice are excluded from the menu. The diet is selected in such a way as to ensure the normal functioning of the pancreas and maximum recovery of the damaged tissue.
Diet plays an important role in preventing diabetes. There are special areas in the gland called islets of Langerhans where insulin, a special hormone, is produced. If inflammation affects these formations, the hormonal generation decreases, and as a result, it can lead to the development of endocrine disease. Poor nutrition is considered a predisposing factor in this case.
Approved products for pancreatitis
After symptoms subside, the patient is shown diet chart No. 5p. There are two options - basic and advanced. First, it is prescribed for the chronic course of pathology in the active phase and during an acute attack. It is very limited and mainly consists of easily digestible carbohydrates.
Enhanced nutrition for pancreatitis is the adjustment of the carbohydrate diet with the addition of protein products. Their daily amount in food does not exceed 125 g. At the same time, the amount of fat consumed should not exceed 70 g. In addition, the amount of other nutrients necessary for health is taken into account:
Vitamin A - 10 mg;
B vitamins - between 2 and 10 mg;
Vitamin C - up to 150 g;
calcium - 0. 8 g;
sodium - 3 g;
phosphorus - 1. 3 g;
magnesium - 0. 5 g;
iron - 0. 03 g.
All this shows that the daily menu should be not only healthy, but also diverse due to the use of various permitted products.
Vegetables: potato, cucumber, cauliflower, seaweed, green peas, pumpkin, zucchini, celery, carrot. There is a lot of controversy among nutritionists about the consumption of beets. Boiled root vegetables are known to be healthy, but their high betaine and sugar content question their safety as a food for pancreatitis.
Vegetable puree, in the form of puree, is eaten as part of the first dishes. Gradually, the transition to coarser grinding is allowed.
Fruits, berries: apple, pear, pomegranate, peach, strawberry, raspberry. Products are baked (apples), steamed or made into various delicacies (without sugar): preserves, jams, mousses, marshmallows, marmalade, jelly.
meat (fat): turkey, chicken, rabbit, veal (fillet or tenderloin). Products can be eaten after the patient's condition is stabilized. They are used to make broth, soup puree, steamed cutlets, quenelles, meatballs and souffles.
Fish: pike perch, pike, carp, perch, hake, pollock, cod, blue whiting. It is served in boiled pieces or minced for steaming.
Dairy products (low fat): milk, kefir, yogurt, cottage cheese, cream, yogurt. Fermented milk drinks are drunk a little during the day, porridge is cooked with milk, cottage cheese is used for stews and puddings.
It is worth mentioning the cheese separately. Only salty soft cheeses are allowed for consumption: feta cheese, suluguni, etc. Products are added to crushed food during cooking.
Cereals: semolina, rice, buckwheat, oatmeal. Grains made into flour are best.
Pasta: in any. Prepare according to the instructions, small items are preferred.
Egg: chicken, quail. They are eaten boiled (mashed), soft-boiled (rarely) or as an omelette.
Bread: with wheat (yesterday's), bran, crackers, biscuits.
Oil: creamy (up to 30 g per day), vegetables (linseed, olive, tender sunflower) are gradually included in the menu.
Drinks: weak tea, compotes, diluted juices from non-acidic berries, fruits, still mineral water.
All dishes are prepared immediately before eating. It is forbidden to "roast" vegetable soup.
Fully or partially restricted products
Unfortunately, a dangerous disease dictates its own strict rules, which the patient must continue to live by. This primarily concerns the daily diet. You will need to permanently stop consuming certain foods to prevent possible relapses and worsening of the condition in the future. Of course, it is difficult to accept, but the price of poor nutrition during pancreatitis is often the patient's life.
A diet should not be taken as a test. The number of things you can eat is not so small and in all sections of the dining table. In addition, if the patient feels well, nutrition for pancreatitis can be expanded by including foods that are not included in the basic diet (some seasonal vegetables, fruits, etc. ). Their consumption should be strictly limited, and the reaction of the body should be carefully monitored. If symptoms, even mild, occur, indicating a possible attack, the new food introduced into the diet is immediately excluded.
The patient's diet does not contain foods with a large amount of fat. First of all, this refers to meat (pork, lamb, duck, goose, offal). Any semi-finished meat products and sausages are also prohibited. The latter poses a particular potential threat because it contains many chemical flavoring additives that irritate the entire digestive system. An exception is sausage or ham made from dietary poultry meat, which is sometimes consumed in small quantities.
Oily sea and river fish (salmon, beluga, sturgeon, sterlet, etc. ), as well as caviar, rolls and sushi are excluded. Consumption of medium-fat fish dishes and seafood is allowed (no more than 2 times a week).
The diet menu does not contain coarse-fiber, high-acid vegetables: white cabbage, radish, rutabaga, radish, turnip, spinach, sorrel, corn, asparagus, eggplant. Foods made with pickled, salty, salted vegetables, ginger, olives, garlic and onions should not be given. Products should be thermally processed before eating, they should not be eaten raw. If there are no signs of inflammation of the pancreas, sweet tomatoes can be used with caution in the diet.
Fruits and berries contain a lot of acid, which causes increased secretion of pancreatic fluid. Therefore, their use is undesirable, especially during the rehabilitation period after an attack. Citrus fruits, dates, melons, fresh berries and their juices are prohibited. Dried fruits are allowed in limited quantities.
The consumption of mushrooms and legumes is excluded. These products are a source of a large amount of vegetable protein, which helps to activate the pancreas. In addition, unwanted disturbances from other organs of the gastrointestinal tract are possible: increased gas formation, constipation, which is especially problematic for people with pancreatitis.
Hard-to-digest foods made from grains are prohibited: millet, barley, peas and pearl barley. The consistency of the finished cereal should be semi-liquid and viscous, it is not recommended to eat it in crushed form.
Fat milk, as well as its derivatives (cottage cheese, kefir, sour cream) are extremely undesirable. Hard, salty, sharp cheeses and cheese products are prohibited.
Do not use any spices or factory-made sauces when preparing food: mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, etc. Frying is strictly prohibited. Fried foods (including sauteed vegetables for soup) are saturated with many carcinogens and other harmful substances that have a depressing effect on the work of the entire digestive system. Regular use of such foods can lead to a new attack. The same goes for any smoked meat or canned fish. You should not leave the fish in a small amount of water, because. . . this releases extractives that require increased production of pancreatic juice.
It is forbidden to eat fresh bread, bread and sweet products. Such food is a rich source of carbohydrates, which promotes the activity of the diseased body and increases the secretion of insulin. Together with cooking oils (margarine, etc. ), this is a serious load that is unacceptable for pancreatitis. Therefore, you should not eat cake, pastry, ice cream, chocolate or honey.
Any alcohol, as well as strong coffee, carbonated drinks, cocoa and green tea are strictly prohibited.
A sample menu for a week for pancreatitis
Nutrition for pancreatitis in the acute stage is quite weak, but it is necessary to eliminate inflammation. A 6-time meal plan is set:
Breakfast. Soft porridges with water are preferred; in the absence of symptoms, with diluted milk. You can complete your meal with a piece of toasted bread smeared with butter.
Lunch. As a rule, it includes unleavened cottage cheese or cheesecakes, jelly and fruit puree.
Supper. Light broths and vegetable soups are served as the first course. For the second meal - meat or fish souffle, steamed cutlets with mashed grains and vegetables.
Afternoon snack. Its composition is similar to the second snack.
Supper. This meal is preferably light but contains enough protein. Goes well with boiled fish, meat pie as a side dish.
For the night. Instead of food - a glass of low-fat kefir or yogurt.
Depending on the patient's condition, other dishes from the list of allowed products are added to the daily menu.
Monday
Rice porridge porridge, hip infusion.
Baked apples with dried apricots.
Chicken consomme with croutons, fish souffle.
Kissel, cookies.
Turkey meatballs, pumpkin and carrot puree.
Kefir.
Tuesday
Buckwheat porridge, tea with milk.
Low-fat cottage cheese (100 g), apple foam.
Vegetable puree soup, steamed veal meatballs.
Compote, a piece of soft, lightly salted cheese.
Boiled pike perch with potatoes.
Ryazhenka.
Wednesday
Oatmeal in water with dry fruits.
Yogurt.
Rice soup with carrots, bread with cheese.
Fruit jam.
Cottage cheese stew with pears, wheat bread.
Yogurt.
Thursday
Steam omelette (white), sandwich with butter, tea.
Curd pudding.
Fish soup, rabbit souffle with carrot garnish.
Kefir, fruit jelly.
Steamed chicken cutlet with cauliflower puree.
Boiled milk.
friday
Steamed cheesecakes, rose drink.
Baked apple.
Pumpkin cream soup, turkey roll with vegetables.
Yogurt.
Boiled veal, carrot pudding.
Tea without sugar.
Saturday
Boiled egg white, kefir.
Fruit puree, biscuit.
Homemade noodles with vegetable broth, turkey cutlet.
cottage cheese.
Pasta with green peas, compote.
Varenets.
Sunday
Semolina porridge with butter.
Apple mousse.
Chicken broth with potato dumplings, fish dumplings.
Vegetable puree.
Steamed turkey with pumpkin and carrot garnish.
Milk (low fat).
Diet recipes
Rice porridge with pumpkin
You will need:
Broken round grain rice - half a cup;
pumpkin - 300 g;
half of milk and half with water - only 1 cup;
sugar - 1 tsp;
salt.
Cut the previously peeled and seeded pumpkin into pieces, boil in a small amount of water until cooked, pass through a sieve. Another option is possible: grate the vegetable and add it to the pan together with the rice.
Add cereal to boiled milk and cook for 15 minutes. Then add pumpkin puree, sugar and a little salt. Stir and keep on fire for another 2-3 minutes. It is better to eat after the porridge has stood for 20-30 minutes.
Meatballs and cauliflower soup
Ingredients:
turkey or chicken fillet - 300 g;
fresh egg white - 2 pieces;
potatoes - 3 pieces;
carrot - 1 piece;
cauliflower - 300 g;
water - 2-2, 5 l;
salt.
Prepare minced meat. Knead the egg white well and make into walnut-sized balls. Cabbage, previously removed from small inflorescences, and put grated carrots in boiling water. After 5 minutes, add potatoes, cut into small cubes. When the vegetables are cooked, add meatballs to the soup, add salt and mix. Cook on low heat for 5-7 minutes.
If the disease worsens, you can prepare a milder cream soup. In this case, the meatballs do not have a shape. Minced meat (without protein) is added to cooked vegetables, mixed, cooked for 5-7 minutes, after which the contents of the bowl are mashed with a blender. While mixing the egg whites into the soup, pour them in a thin stream.
Chicken souffle
Products:
skinless chicken breast - 500 g;
milk - 1 cup;
egg whites - 2 pieces;
vegetable oil (to lubricate the mold);
salt.
Preheat the oven to 180 °C. Pass the breast through a meat grinder twice, mix it with egg white and milk, add salt. Beat the minced meat with a blender until smooth. Grease a heatproof dish with oil and fill it with the meat mixture. Bake for 30 minutes without opening the oven.
Steamed fish cutlets
You will need:
white fish fillet (cod, pollock, perch) - 500 g;
2 egg whites;
salt.
Cut the fish into minced meat, add salt, combine with egg whites and knead well until smooth. Make cutlets. Place them on a wire rack placed in a deep pot of boiling water and steam until cooked (25-30 minutes). You can use a slow cooker for this.
Broccoli omelette
Ingredients:
raw white - 4 pieces (or 2 eggs);
broccoli - 200 g;
milk - 0. 5 cups;
water;
salt;
oil for lubrication.
Wash the cabbage, cut it into pieces, cook under the lid for 10 minutes. Beat the whites (eggs) with milk and salt until foamy. Put the boiled vegetables in a refractory frying pan, grease with oil, pour in the egg-milk mixture and put in the oven heated to 180 ° C. Cook for 10 minutes. In acute cases of the disease, the pulp of cabbage inflorescences is crushed.
For children
The disease is rarely diagnosed in childhood. However, an acute attack is possible if the child suffers from drug abuse, has previously had severe viral infections, abdominal trauma, or received long-term drug treatment (hormones, tetracyclines). The disease often manifests itself together with other pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, for example, gastritis. Diet therapy, in this case, should take into account the nature of the underlying disease.
Nutrition for pancreatitis in children is the same as in adults and is carried out according to a similar scheme: the first week - a strict, thinnest menu, then the weekly schedule is gradually diversified, provided that there is good digestion and the absence of anxiety. symptoms.
It should be remembered that the body of a growing child needs the right amount of nutrients, including fats. Therefore, in order not to overload the gland, the child receives the necessary dose of enzymes artificially, i. e. with the help of drugs.
The daily menu must consist of vegetables, fruits (can be eaten fresh in the remission stage, but with caution), fermented milk products, liquids, viscous porridges, soups, as well as boiled lean meat and fish. A strict diet should be followed for one month after the attack, an extended diet for at least 5 years, and a lifelong diet schedule should be followed in the chronic form of the disease.
For pregnant women
Pancreatitis in women during pregnancy can worsen when taking certain vitamin complexes or as a result of the internal pressure exerted on the gland by the enlarged uterus. In this case, nutrition for pancreatitis should be a diet, but taking into account all the nutritional needs necessary for the full development of the fetus.
The good and the bad
Adherence to the diet is the key to the health of not only the pancreas, but also the entire digestive system. Such nutrition is balanced, healthy, easy and fully digestible. In addition, despite the restrictions, the diet is quite varied and allows combining different foods in meals, thereby providing a wide, nutritious table. But it takes time to get used to this diet. For many patients, this is not a psychological, but a consumer obstacle, because many familiar "tasty" products will have to be abandoned. But this is necessary to maintain the possibility of normal life.
Comments from nutritionists
Treatment of pancreatitis with the help of diet is primarily aimed at maximum emptying of the affected gland. It is important to stop excessive production of enzymatic secretions. However, according to nutritionists, it is necessary to provide the digestive organs with complete rest from time to time. During this period, the affected organ is most prone to regeneration, because it is functionally "sleeping".
For this purpose, therapeutic fasting (complete abstinence from food) is carried out. Most often, this regime is observed for 24 hours, but it can be increased if the patient feels well and is under the supervision of a doctor. Prolonged refusal of food (more than 7 days) requires hospitalization.
A milder option is fasting days. Nutritionists recommend doing them at least once a week. One of the allowed dishes is selected, for example, porridge or vegetable puree. It is prepared so much that it can be divided into several dishes. Other products are not consumed.
Reviews and results
Stable positive dynamics of remission can be observed only by strictly following the rules of the treatment schedule.
Any, even a small violation of the diet, can provoke a new cycle of the disease, negating all the efforts made earlier. No doctor will tell in advance how it can be for the patient, but in any case, the results will be most disappointing. Reviews of patients with pancreatitis only confirm this. That's why it's so important to eat right. The main thing is to take it easier, learn your body and understand what is well tolerated and what is not. An excellent motivation in this matter is the strong support of your loved ones.
Price
The average price of a weekly diet food basket is between 20 and 40 dollars.